FEE INCREASE WINS VOTE

PLANTATION - City Council members tentatively raised the city's election filing fees on Wednesday from $25 to $250 for council candidates and $500 for mayoral candidates.

Mayor Frank Veltri said he proposed the fee increase to discourage nonchalant candidates from running in city elections.

Council members said they believe serious candidates could raise the increased fees.

"Twenty-five dollars was a joke," said Council President Marty Dishowitz. "you had put a symbol out there that has no meaning. The increased fees are not burdensome, and they will defer the election's cost."

City Clerk Chester Merrick said the March 10 city election cost the city about $14,000.

The proposal must be voted on again by the council for final approval.